Salama Islamic Insurance vs Watania (ADNTC)
UAE Health Insurance Comparison 2026
Salama Islamic Insurance
private5,657 providers
2 plans
Est. 1979
DHA, DOH, MOHAP regulated
Watania (ADNTC)
private4,785 providers
2 plans
Est. 2011
DOH, MOHAP regulated
Salama Islamic Insurance has 2 plans from AED 2,500 a year and 5,657 in-network providers in 8 cities. Watania (ADNTC) has 2 plans from AED 2,200 a year and 4,785 in-network providers in 8 cities. Salama Islamic Insurance has the most providers in Dubai while Watania (ADNTC) has the most in Abu Dhabi. Network counts are providers in the UAE Open Healthcare Directory that list each insurer; premiums are indicative.
Salama Islamic Insurance vs Watania (ADNTC) — At a Glance
| Attribute | Salama Islamic Insurance | Watania (ADNTC) |
|---|---|---|
| Type | private | private |
| Founded | 1979 | 2011 |
| Headquarters | Dubai | Abu Dhabi |
| Regulators | DHA, DOH, MOHAP | DOH, MOHAP |
| Number of Plans | 2 | 2 |
| Premium Range | AED 2,500 – 13,000 | AED 2,200 – 10,000 |
| Total Network Size | 5,657 | 4,785 |
| Cities Covered | 8 | 8 |
| Dental | Yes | Yes |
| Optical | Yes | Yes |
| Maternity | Yes | Yes |
| Mental Health | Yes | Yes |
| International | No | No |
| Co-pay Range | 20% | 20% |
| Phone (from the insurer's website) | 800 725262 (SALAMA) | +971 800 928 2642 |
Coverage columns reflect whether at least one plan from the insurer includes that benefit. Premiums are indicative annual ranges.
Network Comparison by City
| City | Salama Islamic Insurance | vs | Watania (ADNTC) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dubai | 3,036 | vs | 1,652 |
| Abu Dhabi | 1,189 | vs | 1,715 |
| Sharjah | 878 | vs | 628 |
| Al Ain | 224 | vs | 466 |
| Ajman | 135 | vs | 156 |
| Ras Al Khaimah | 106 | vs | 87 |
| Fujairah | 65 | vs | 63 |
| Umm Al Quwain | 24 | vs | 18 |
Provider counts from the UAE Open Healthcare Directory. Green highlights the city leader.
Salama Islamic Insurance Plans
Salama Islamic Insurance
Salama Basic Takaful Health
Employers seeking Sharia-compliant mandatory health coverage across UAE
AED 2,500 – 5,000/yr
Annual limit: AED 250,000 · shared room · 20% co-pay
5,657 providers
View details →Salama Islamic Insurance
Salama Enhanced Takaful Health
Corporate employees and families across UAE wanting enhanced Takaful
AED 6,000 – 13,000/yr
Annual limit: AED 750,000 · semi-private room · 20% co-pay
5,657 providers
View details →Watania (ADNTC) Plans
Watania (ADNTC)
Watania Basic Takaful
Employers in Abu Dhabi and Northern Emirates seeking Takaful coverage
AED 2,200 – 4,000/yr
Annual limit: AED 200,000 · shared room · 20% co-pay
4,785 providers
View details →Watania (ADNTC)
Watania Enhanced Takaful
Corporate employees and families in Abu Dhabi
AED 5,000 – 10,000/yr
Annual limit: AED 500,000 · semi-private room · 20% co-pay
4,785 providers
View details →Verdict
Choose Salama Islamic Insurance if you need a larger provider network. Choose Watania (ADNTC) if you prioritise lower entry-level premiums. Both are established insurers in the UAE market. The best choice depends on your employer's plan options, budget, required coverage, and preferred hospital network in your city.
Salama Islamic Insurance vs Watania (ADNTC) — FAQ
Which is better, Salama Islamic Insurance or Watania (ADNTC)?
It depends on your needs. Salama Islamic Insurance has 5,657 providers across 8 cities and offers 2 plans starting from AED 2,500/yr. Watania (ADNTC) has 4,785 providers across 8 cities with 2 plans from AED 2,200/yr. Choose Salama Islamic Insurance if you need a larger provider network. Choose Watania (ADNTC) if you prioritise lower entry-level premiums.
Is Salama Islamic Insurance cheaper than Watania (ADNTC)?
No, Watania (ADNTC)'s entry-level plan starts from AED 2,200/yr, while Salama Islamic Insurance's cheapest plan begins at AED 2,500/yr. Pricing varies significantly by age, nationality, and plan tier, so obtain personalised quotes from both insurers.
Which has a bigger network in Dubai, Salama Islamic Insurance or Watania (ADNTC)?
Salama Islamic Insurance has a larger Dubai network with 3,036 providers, compared to Watania (ADNTC)'s 1,652 providers. This includes hospitals, clinics, dental practices, and specialist centres listed in the UAE Open Healthcare Directory.
Does Salama Islamic Insurance or Watania (ADNTC) cover dental?
Both insurers offer dental coverage on their enhanced and premium plans. Salama Islamic Insurance's dental sub-limit goes up to AED 4,000/yr, while Watania (ADNTC) offers up to AED 3,000/yr. Basic plans from both insurers typically exclude dental.
Can I switch from Salama Islamic Insurance to Watania (ADNTC)?
Yes, you can switch insurers during your policy renewal period. In the UAE, health insurance is typically renewed annually. When switching from Salama Islamic Insurance to Watania (ADNTC) (or vice versa), be aware of: (1) Pre-existing condition waiting periods may restart — check the new insurer's policy, (2) Maternity waiting periods usually reset, (3) Any ongoing treatment authorisations need to be re-submitted. Coordinate with your employer's HR department if on a group plan. Both Salama Islamic Insurance and Watania (ADNTC) have dedicated claims and onboarding teams to facilitate the transition.
How do I compare Salama Islamic Insurance and Watania (ADNTC) plans?
Use the UAE Health Insurance Navigator on this page to compare Salama Islamic Insurance and Watania (ADNTC) side-by-side. Key factors to compare: (1) Annual premium — Salama Islamic Insurance starts from AED 2,500/yr, Watania (ADNTC) from AED 2,200/yr, (2) Network size — 5,657 vs 4,785 providers, (3) Coverage — dental, optical, maternity, and mental health inclusion, (4) Co-pay percentages, and (5) Provider availability in your city. Scroll down for the full comparison table.
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Disclaimer: Plan details, premiums, and network sizes are indicative, based on publicly available UAE insurance market data. Obtain personalised quotes from Salama Islamic Insurance and Watania (ADNTC) or an authorised broker. Provider network data sourced from the UAE Open Healthcare Directory.